Data Shows the Impact From the Safe Routes to School Program

Think about it- how do your kids get to school? Most school children in the U.S.
get there by bus or car, with a small percentage walking or biking. In
2005, Congress created the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program to improve
safety and increase the number of children walking and biking to and from
school through educational efforts, encouragement programs, and road
improvements at or near schools. 

Ten years later, research studies indicate that SRTS has
increased rates of walking and biking and improved safety. Studies also show
the program is an economically sound investment that can decrease health costs
and school transport costs.

The data shows that:

·        
Actively commuting to and from school could improve mental and
physical health.

·        
SRTS has increased the number of students who walk or bike to and
from school.

·        
Unsafe routes make it harder for students to walk or bike to and
from school. SRTS has made it safer for students to walk or bike to or from
school.

·        
SRTS can lower health care and transportation costs for school
districts and families.

·        
Communities can take action on SRTS through subdivision
regulations that require sidewalks, education facility plans that ensure access
to school by foot and bicycle, school wellness policies that include Safe Routes
to School, and capital improvement plans that prioritize engineering
improvements near schools.